Nagbala Powder – Gangeruki – Grewia hirsuta

Nagbala  Powder – Gangeruki

Latin – Grewia hirsuta

Other Names : Guda sharkara, Gangeruki, Gangeran, Kukurbicha, Dhondro, Kudari, Kurumta, Kudaru, Khaotak, Chùm khét (Vietnamese)

Nagbala, also known as Grewia hirsuta, is a small tree or shrub native to India. It is used in traditional Indian medicine for a variety of purposes, including treating coughs, colds, and diarrhea. The plant is also used as a diuretic, antipyretic, and nervine.

Ayurvedic classification :

Rasa (Taste)             – Madhura (sweet)
Guna (Qualities)     – Guru (heaviness), Picchila (slimmy), Snighda (oily)
Vipaka                       – Madhura (Sweet taste after digestion)
Veerya                       – Sheeta (Coolant)
Effect on doshas      – Balances Pitta and Vata dosha
Prabhava                  – Rasayana – Anti aging (causes cell and tissue rejuvenation)

Chemical constituents : The chemical constituents of nagbala include:

• Phenolics: Vanillic acid, syringic acid, melilotic acid, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, phydroxy benzoic acid
• Flavonoids: Kaempferol
• Saponins
• Tannins
• Glycosides
• Alkaloids
• Anthraquinones
• Steroids

These chemical constituents are responsible for the plant’s many pharmacological properties. For example, the phenolics have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while the flavonoids have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. The alkaloids have analgesic and antipyretic properties, while the saponins have expectorant and antitussive properties.